Best things to do in Beverly Hills

Known for its luxury shopping, Rodeo Drive featured its first luxury store in the 1960s. Visit No. 2 on the street to find a faux-European pedestrian walking area lined with shops and cafes. The Walk of Style has plaques embedded into the sidewalk that honor fashion icons whose wares are in the shops. On this same section of the street, you'll find the shining Torso sculpture.

Drive through the Hollywood Hills like a movie star, taking the twists and turns of Mulholland Drive. Before you set off, pick up a map from one of the nearby stores illustrating where famous celebrities live. The road features numerous lookout spots. Drive cautiously, because the winding road can be tricky to navigate.

Bask in the warm California sun on the white sand shores of Santa Monica State Beach. Stretching over 4.82 km (3 mi) along the Santa Monica Bay, the beach is the area’s hub for outdoor activity, including swimming, surfing, and biking, as well as beachside eating and shopping. Take a nap in the sand after some beach volleyball or paddleboarding. Pack a picnic to enjoy, and don’t miss a chance to walk along Santa Monica Pier for a full array of eateries, souvenir shops, and street entertainment.

Experience the vibrant, timeless energy of southern California with a walk down Santa Monica Pier. The 100-year-old wooden wharf serves as the area's hub of entertainment and culture. This spot is home to the Pacific Park amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, an array of shops and eateries, and plenty of street artists. Rent bikes and spend the afternoon exploring the carnival-like atmosphere while enjoying the oceanside scenery. Kids love visiting the Playland Arcade, which has more than 200 games and attractions. The pier also is home to California's only over-water Ferris wheel.

For a day of thrilling rides on some of the country's fastest roller coasters, visit Six Flags Magic Mountain. Featuring nine themed areas, the park contains nine zones each with its own distinct rides, attractions, and food venues. You can choose to spend a day in the American wilderness, visit a world filled with comic book superheroes, or attend a county fair atmosphere packed with carnival-style games. The park's roller coasters offer rides suitable for all ages, from low-speed train trips through scenic landscapes, to hair-raising plunges off a 15 m (50 ft) waterfall. Visit the movie-inspired section to catch live-action stunt shows, drive bumper cars, or traverse six upside-down turns (while standing up) on 1,300 m (4,300 ft) of steel track.

A bay bordered by a crescent-shaped shore between Malibu and Los Angeles, the mainland of Santa Monica Bay is lined with high-end property. Many piers and docks offer fishing and parking for private vessels. Some of the larger piers, such as Santa Monica Pier and Marina Del Rey, are full of entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. A fishing or boat tour helps you appreciate the California coast. Adrenaline-pumping water activities are also available.